Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1021/es500282t
Title (Primary) Compound-specific isotope analysis as a tool to characterize biodegradation of ethylbenzene
Author Dorer, C.; Vogt, C.; Kleinsteuber, S. ORCID logo ; Stams, A.J.M.; Richnow, H.-H.
Source Titel Environmental Science & Technology
Year 2014
Department ISOBIO; UMB
Volume 48
Issue 16
Page From 9122
Page To 9132
Language englisch
UFZ wide themes RU3;
Abstract This study applied one- and two-dimensional compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) for the elements carbon and hydrogen to assess different means of microbial ethylbenzene activation. Cultures incubated under nitrate-reducing conditions showed significant carbon and highly pronounced hydrogen isotope fractionation of comparable magnitudes, leading to nearly identical slopes in dual-isotope plots. The results imply that Georgfuchsia toluolica G5G6 and an enrichment culture dominated by an Azoarcus species activate ethylbenzene by anaerobic hydroxylation catalyzed by ethylbenzene dehydrogenase, similar to Aromatoleum aromaticum EbN1. The isotope enrichment pattern in dual plots from two strictly anaerobic enrichment cultures differed considerably from those for benzylic hydroxylation, indicating an alternative anaerobic activation step, most likely fumarate addition. Large hydrogen fractionation was quantified using a recently developed Rayleigh-based approach considering hydrogen atoms at reactive sites. Data from nine investigated microbial cultures clearly suggest that two-dimensional CSIA in combination with the magnitude of hydrogen isotope fractionation is a valuable tool to distinguish ethylbenzene degradation and may be of practical use for monitoring natural or technological remediation processes at field sites.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=15215
Dorer, C., Vogt, C., Kleinsteuber, S., Stams, A.J.M., Richnow, H.-H. (2014):
Compound-specific isotope analysis as a tool to characterize biodegradation of ethylbenzene
Environ. Sci. Technol. 48 (16), 9122 - 9132 10.1021/es500282t